I grew up on Sesame Street, and one of the worst Christmas experiences I had as a child involved a steel trash can painted with a sunflower and the words “Home, Sweet Home.” (I didn’t realize that all of my gifts, including an Oscar the Grouch puppet, were in the trash can. I literally thought that Santa gave me a trash can for Christmas, which felt like a significant step down from a single lump of coal.)
Jack is nine. I don’t think he’s ever watched an episode of Sesame Street. Thea, on the other hand, had a brief Sesame Street binge period when she was four. That’s where I discovered that “The Word of the Day” had become “The Word on the Street.”
In the land of Floricane, the Word on Our Street in 2023 was probably recalibrate.
Like many of our clients, we spent last year digesting and integrating the changes, challenges and lessons brought on by the mixture of disruption and adaption we all experienced in 2021 and 2022.
Because it is 2024, I turned to ChatGPT to help me identify the Word on My Street for the year ahead. I asked it to scour my previous blog posts, newsletter stories and other writing to give me three words that best captured the spirit of my work and life.
Here’s what it gave me:
Reflecting on the breadth and depth of your experiences, insights, and perspectives shared throughout our conversation, here are three words that encapsulate the spirit and essence of your work and life:
1. Transformation: This word captures your focus on organizational change, personal growth, and the evolving nature of leadership. It reflects the journey of adapting and growing, both in personal and professional spheres.
2. Connection: Your emphasis on relationships, community-building, and collaboration is a core theme. This word signifies the importance you place on forging meaningful ties, whether within an organization, in personal life, or in broader community engagements.
3. Authenticity: This word resonates with your genuine approach to storytelling, leadership, and personal reflection. It encompasses the honesty and sincerity with which you engage with your work, share experiences, and interact with others.
These words not only reflect your past and present but can also guide and inspire your focus for the upcoming year.
So, there you have it. The Words on My Street for 2024 — at least from my small stretch of sidewalk — are Transformation, Connection and Authenticity.
What is the Word on Your Street for 2024? Share your word, and your thoughts, in the comments below.
